The Best Comedies of the 1980s: Nostalgia and Timeless Laughter
The 1980s were a golden age of television, offering a wide range of timeless comedies that haveheld up remarkably well over the years. If yoursquo;re a fan of classic television from that era, yoursquo;ll find plenty to enjoy here.
Key Comedies of the 1980s
Letrsquo;s take a look at some of the best comedies from the 1980s, from blockbuster movies to beloved sitcoms.
1. The Breakfast Club
The Breakfast Club was a defining movie of the 1980s, with its iconic scenes and relatable characters.
2. Weekend at Bernie's
Known for its outlandish premise and hilarious situations, Weekend at Berniersquo;s is a must-watch for classic comedy fans.
3. Beverly Hills Cop
Gene Hackman stars in this action-comedy hit, which has become a classic thanks to its memorable characters and action sequences.
Top Three Comedies of the 1980s from a Nostalgic Perspective
Delving into the highly personal side, here are three comedies from the 1980s that stand out as favorites:
1. The Benny Hill Show (1969-1989)
The Benny Hill Show is a beloved British comedy sketch show that aired for nearly two decades. Benny Hillrsquo;s hilarious sketches are still considered some of the funniest in television. One particularly memorable scene involves Benny and his mate applying for a job as tree fellers. They point to the job board and say, ldquo;There’s one here, but it’s no good for us. They want three fellers, but there are only two of us.rdquo; This sketch is a perfect example of Benny Hillrsquo;s creativity and humor.
2. Open All Hours (1976-1985)
Open All Hours is a British sitcom that aired from 1976 to 1985. The show, originally starring Ronnie Barker and David Jason, has since been revived under the title Still Open All Hours, but Sadly, Ronnie Barker has passed away. The showrsquo;s blend of dark humor and social commentary made it a classic of British television.
3. Only Fools and Horses (1981-2003)
Only Fools and Horses is one of the most beloved British sitcoms of all time. Starring David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst, the series follows the outrageous misadventures of characters Del Boy and Rodney Trotter as they try to make it big in London. The show has a lasting appeal because it combines slapstick comedy with smart social commentary.
Putting Aside Reality: The Cosby Show
While we often think about the underpinnings of some of our favorite comedies, it's important to separate the factual from the nostalgic. One show that stands out for its charm and timeless humor is The Cosby Show. Love it or hate it, the show remains one of the most beloved comedies in American television history. The Cosby Show was beloved for its authentic portrayal of a Black family in a way that was relatively rare and groundbreaking.
Comedy and Reality
Many of the family situations in The Cosby Show are relatable and timeless. Whether it was Cliff Huxtable trying to teach his children important life lessons or dealing with everyday family issues, these scenarios resonated with viewers in a profound way. The humor in The Cosby Show came from the everyday situations, making it valuable as both a form of entertainment and a social commentary. The show did not rely on R-rated humor or shock value, instead focusing on family values and relatable scenarios.
Nudging a Legacy
Recognizing that people often admire figures before learning about their more questionable actions, it's important to look at personal lives and legacies dispassionately. While Mr. Cosby faces deserved legal scrutiny, the impact of the show itself is significant, and its influence on television and family comedy is undeniable. The cast and crew of The Cosby Show deserve to be remembered primarily for the wonderful work they created, rather than the actions of one individual.